IZQUIERDO EAGER TO REPAY FAITH

Brighton & Hove Albion new boy Jose Izquierdo wants to repay the faith the club has shown by making him their new record signing.

Albion paid a club record fee to land the Colombian international from Club Brugge, and the winger is determined to ensure that it will be money well spent.

He said, "The club believed in me. They took the time to follow my football, showed me the project for Brighton and the new challenge to be in the Premier League. I liked it and made the decision to join.

"The record fee is a motivation; we feel pressure in other ways, so you can't think of the fee like that. You have to think that they paid that money because you deserve it.

"You have to keep this in mind and work like that. Every day you have to improve yourself and give everything for the club. The Premier League is a top league and I hope I can show my qualities and help the team."

The 25-year-old revealed how revered the Premier League is in his native Colombia, and is eager to don the blue-and-white stripes for the first time.

"I talked with players from my club and ones from Colombia about this move, and normally the dream of everyone is to play in the Premier League.

"It's something special for me, because in my country, they see the Premier League as the top competition. If you play in this competition, they are proud of you and you are viewed as a special player.

"I have been waiting for the moment to play for a long time, since I arrived in Brighton. I came here to train and reach my level for Brighton, and I cannot wait to play my first game."